About Karen

About Me A Colorado native through and through, I grew up in Littleton, graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder, and have called Denver home for many years. My roots here run deep, and I bring that local knowledge and lifelong connection to every client I serve. My journey to real estate has been full of adventure and connection. I began my career traveling the world with the international group Up with People in 1978 and later as a flight attendant for Frontier Airlines and United Airlines. When an injury brought my flying career to an end, I found my second calling—helping people find their place to call home. Working with buyers, especially first-time homeowners, brings me tremendous joy. They’re like the kids I never had—each one holds a special place in my heart. For sellers, I love the art of staging and transforming homes so they shine for prospective buyers. My goal is always to match each client with not just a house, but the lifestyle and comfort they’ve been dreaming of. Outside of real estate, I’ve always had a love for fashion and helping others feel confident. I worked at Nordstrom Cherry Creek as both a personal stylist and lingerie specialist, where I especially valued supporting breast cancer survivors through the prosthesis program. Community and connection are central to who I am. I live by the motto: never take more than you give. I remain active with the Junior League of Denver as a Sustainer Council member and serve the community through the Pinehurst Foundation. I’ve also been deeply involved with Up with People as a Gala Host Committee member, Cast Representative, and seven-year board member of the International Alumni Association. I’m also a proud Delta Delta Delta sorority member—sharing friendship, business, and fun with my Coldwell Banker partners who are also sisters. I married my perfect match, Tom Valdez—proof that love can arrive right on time—and together we share our home with our black and white cat, Stache. Every day in real estate is an opportunity to connect, create, and contribute—and that’s exactly what I love most about what I do.